BMW X5 2009 News

Manufacturers including BMW, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), Peugeot and Citroen have issued recalls via the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced another round of safety recalls, with models from Mazda, Holden, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Jaguar affected.

Some crossovers and SUVs have gone through seemingly radical transformations as of late, perhaps risking rugged reputations in favour of a little more on-road finesse and dynamic vigour. That's not so much the case with the all-new 2014 X5; BMW keeps the focus of the X5 remarkably close to that of its original 'Sports Activity Vehicle' mantra--except there's more technology and style, warmer cabin appointments, and a little more lean performance.While the second-generation model that was introduced for 2007, BMW introduced more power, better handling, and an array of in-cabin luxury and technology features that was more in sync with what you might find in the automaker's flagship sedan models. The all-new third-generation X5, which will reach US dealerships beginning in the fourth quarter of 2013, takes it a step further.Initially, there will be three models in the X5 lineup. The familiar 220 kW, 3.0-litre TwinPower Turbo in-line six-cylinder engine is the base engine, in the xDrive35i, while the X5 xDrive50i includes the 4.4-litre TwinPower Turbo V8, making 330 kW and 650 Nm of torque, as low as 2,000 rpm. Then a few months later, an xDrive35d model will join the lineup, powered by a 3.0-litre TwinPower Turbo in-line six-cylinder diesel engine, producing 190 kW and 560 Nm. Acceleration times are improved throughout, with V8 models capable of getting to 100 km/h in just 5 seconds and xDrive35i models making the dash in 6.2 seconds. And for the first time--perhaps eyeing the success that Infiniti has had with its FX--BMW is adding a rear-wheel-drive sDrive35i model.Curb weight is reduced by up to about 100 kg--enough of a difference that we expect to feel behind the wheel. There's also new electric power steering throughout the model line. All models include an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all but the base sDrive35i have xDrive all-wheel drive. Click into Eco Pro mode, and the X5 will recalibrate a host of systems for better fuel-efficiency, with Auto Start/Stop included.There's plenty of emphasis (and some important option boxes to check) on road performance. Go for the Dynamic Handling Package, and you'll get Active Roll Stabilization in addition to Dynamic Damper Control and a rear air suspension. Opt for the M Sport model and you can get an Adaptive M suspension that pairs Dynamic Damper Control and the air suspension with a stiffer, sport-tuned setup.One chassis advancement is Dynamic Performance Control (part of the Dynamic Handling Package), a system that manages xDrive and more finely controls the power split for the system, taking “handling dynamics and directional stability to new levels,” according to BMW.The new X5 has been nipped, tucked, and far more gracefully sculpted than the models before it—and you can see influences from the latest X3 along with BMW's latest sedans. The combination of tapered roofline and somewhat lowered beltline give the X5 a bit more of a sport-wagon look than before. Meanwhile, the front airdam design is complex, with several levels of detailing that come together in a way that's possibly overwrought (we'll wait 'til we see it in person).The front kidney grille is “thrust forward,” as BMW puts it, while it's supplemented with a smirk of a horizontal intake just below—and a larger intake down below. Headlights are set high up, and better-detailed than ever. Meanwhile, alongside BMW succumbs to the side-gill look, with a character line swooping upward to the LED taillights, which notch inward at a cleanly styled hatch.Those side gills, however, are functional—part of new drag-reducing Air Curtains that guide airflow around wheel arches. Meanwhile, the X5 is the first BMW to feature so-called Aero Blades—air-channeling elements that work together with the roof spoiler.Inside, the design will be instantly familiar to anyone who's been in other late-model BMWs. Only here the horizontal-shelf layout, with a cockpit-style instrument zone, is wrapped over (and just behind) by a separate layer that merges in with the rest of the dash at the door trim. Poplar wood trim is standard, and Dakota leather upholstery is standard on the xDrive50i and available on the other models. For the first time, two interior design packages (Ivory White and Mocha) bring lighter or warmer interior combinations than what's been previously offered by BMW.Luxury Line and xLine packages bring more personalization, with coordinated interior trims that are a step more attention-getting—with Satin Aluminum and high-gloss finishes in the xLine and a blacked-out grille chrome strips, and some sporty cues for the Luxury Line. The M Sport adds a body kit, Shadowline trim, high-gloss roof rails, sport seats, an anthracite headliner, and various other high-performance cues.The second-row seat in the X5 can now be split 40/20/40, for more flexibility, and they're adjustable for rake. If you get the optional third-row seats, there's separately a new Easy Entry function. Overall cargo capacity is up seven percent versus the previous model, BMW says, and there are new storage and door pockets that can hold larger bottles. The tailgate is still split in two sections, with the upper section including power operation. Get the power tailgate system, and it can be opened from the keyfob or the driver's seat.Active-safety features are heavily represented in the X5's hefty list of options. LED front foglamps are included across the model line; all X5 models now include Adaptive Xenon headlamps, while Adaptive LED headlamps are optional. New features include the Active Driving Assistant (Lane Departure Warning, and a pedestrian collision system with braking), plus ACC Stop & Go (full-range camera-radar cruise control), and a new Traffic Jam Assistant that maintains following distance and keeps the vehicle at the center of its lane by providing steering input. BMW Night Vision and a head-up display remain on offer, as well as a Parking Assistant, Surround View system, and Active Blind Spot Detection.Advanced Real Time Traffic Information is also available as part of a BMW Assist Convenience Plan, and BMW Apps (now with various audio-app options) are now standard. And buyers have a choice of two premium-audio systems—Harman Kardon or Bang & Olufsen. A BMW Navigation system is standard in all U.S. X5 models, and it has a new freestanding 10.2-inch screen and touch pad.http://www.thecarconnection.com 

The twin-turbo V8 in the muscular new mid-sizer is stretching the friendship with the back tyres in the fifth-generation M5 and there are concerns about customer reaction in snow-belt countries around the world. An all-wheel drive upgrade is the logical solution and BMW M chiefs from Munich admit they are considering the move. "We are thinking about it," says Max Ahme, M5 project leader. "If you are increasing the power more and more, maybe you need it." The basic powerplant in the M5 is the same 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 already used in the M versions of BMW's full-sized SUVs, the X5 and X6, but is tweaked to unleash 412 kiloWatts of power and 680 Newton-metres of torque. "The block is the same, but the cylinder heads are new. The inlet track is new, it has double Vanos (variable valve timing) and more revs. So, more power," says Ahme. He refuses to go into much detail but it's clear that BMW M is making a serious assessment of its first all-wheel drive passenger car. "It's a good idea, but it would add 120 kilograms to the car and it's all over the front axle," says Ahme. Other companies have made all-wheel drive conversions successful, including Ferrari with the lightweight system fitted to its new FF supercar. Ahme admits BMW has had an FF in its workshop, although he believes the system would not be suitable for an M5. "We have looked at this car. We do some swaps with Ferrari." But Ahme is totally black-on-white on one potential stretch of the M5, into a new Touring wagon. "This will not happen," he says. There have been three M5 Touring models in the past but the sales record of the car is not good, and numbers dropped dramatically in the previous-generation car. "It does not make any sense. Just look at the numbers," says Ahme.

The upcoming 520i, priced from $77,900 instead of the previous $82,000 for a 520d, comes after an earlier move on the 3 Series down under. BMW Australia says its objective is to provide better value, as well as a 'stepped' approach to equipment levels that mirrors bottom-end brands from Hyundai and Kia to Holden and Ford. It began the change with the 3 Series and is now moving on the Five with a claim of up to $7000 worth of extra value - most of it in standard equipment - on the 520i. There is also said to be more punch from the engine, which is a new 2.0-litre four with TwinPower turbo good for 135 kiloWatts and 270 Newton-metres of torque. "We've got power up, value up and fuel consumption down. Everyone is happy," says BMW spokesman, Piers Scott. A new four-cylinder 528i - replacing the previous six-pack - is also part of the 5 Series change, with more equipment in the 535i and 535d that means up to $7000 of extra value. Scott says the value boost comes thanks to the engine change but does not deny BMW's stronger emphasis on value at a time when it is taking a battering from Mercedes-Benz and Audi on both sides. "It's really just the fact that this is a brand-new engine that's available to us. That accounts for the 520 and the 528i," he says. "The other changes are to get a logical ladder into the price structure. "The jump from the 520i - which snuggles under the Luxury Car Tax threshold thanks to economy of 6.4 litres/100km and CO2 emissions of  149 grams/kilometre - to the 528i manes 180 kiloWatts and 350 Newton- metres, even though the four-cylinder basics are the same. The 528i is priced from $98,200, helped by also qualifying as a low-emission model under the LCT rules. Prices of the 535i and 535d now start at $115,600 and $120,900 respectively, with the diesel engine now boasting 230 kiloWatts and an eight per cent economy boost, with the 535i also getting a 0.7 litres/100km economy improvement. BMW Australia now also includes stop-start technology on all Fives except the 550i, with its new Active Safety package - closing the windows and sunroof, electro-mechanical belt tensioning and a crash- optimised position for the passenger-seat backrest - also part of the deal.

Even though the September market showed mixed results across all segments, luxury off-roaders and sportscars were the exception, rocketing up the sales charts.VFACTS industry figures show a 31 per cent lift in luxury off-roader sales and 17 per cent rise in sportscar sales last month. The luxury off-roader numbers were buoyed by strong sales for the BMW X5, and several newcomers, including the Volvo XC60, Lexus LX, RX and Audi Q5.With the weather warming up, convertibles helped feed the lift in sportscar numbers. Perennial favourites like the Mini Cooper cabrio, Saab 9-3 cabrio and Mazda MX5 helped bolster sportscar sales for the month. The Audi A5, BMW Z4, Mercedes-Benz SLK and Volkswagen Eos also fueled buyer interest.The SUV segment overall was up almost 2 per cent compared to September last year. Other segments are also on the rise, thanks to the Federal Government's small business tax stimulus package. Compact off-roaders and light commercial van sales are up 5 per cent while 4x4 utes, light cars and medium car sales are also up.The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries chief executive, Andrew McKellar, says the robust September result is proof of further signs of a consolidation in the new vehicle market. "This was a good month with a stronger than expected result," he says.Overall 78,131 cars, SUVs and commercial vehicles were sold last month. This is down 3.5 per cent - or 2807 vehicles - compared to September last year. Despite a lift in optimism, McKellar says private buyers are still reluctant to return to the market. "Some areas of buyer confidence remain fragile and an interest rate rise is premature," he says. "The economic stimulus has resulted in positive business sales but private buyers need the confidence to return to showrooms in larger numbers."Year-to-date 681,974 new vehicles have been sold, down 13.1 per cent compared to the same period last year.Toyota remains in the top sales position for September with 16,007 vehicle sales, ahead of Holden with 9744 and Ford with 8427. Toyota's senior executive director sales and marketing, David Buttner, says the company expects to pass 50,000 sales in the last quarter for the first time this year. "Toyota is holding a substantial order book into October, and it is gearing up for an end-of-year rush from the business sector," Buttner says. Buttner says the company has fixed stock shortages of the top-selling HiLux.TOP 10  BRANDS    Sept           YTD 2009 (+/- on 2008)Toyota                   16,007             142,898       -22.3%Holden                      9744               85,667       -14.0%Ford                          8427               70,289       -13.7%Mazda                       7205               57,695         -7.2%Hyundai                    5484               47,625        36.4%Mitsubishi                4312               40,092        -16.3%Nissan                       4079               38,446       -15.8%Honda                       3939               31,787       -22.9%Subaru                      2807               27,225         -9.0%Volkswagen             2307               22,717         -5.4% 

People power has forced an Australian backflip on the X5 M, which will now join the ultimate go-faster version of the X6 in a twin-pronged SUV attack.

The system in the Lexus we were piloting could find the street we wanted, but tried to take us into a road that was barred. And kept ignoring the public street that would have given us access, as we kept circling past it in growing amusement. To be fair, the Audi satnavs also have a problem with that part of the world.And the one in the BMW X5 that Navman sent us out in contradicted their gadget on several occasions.The Navman itself didn’t have any trouble with the difficult location. But that’s not the big news about the new range. Nor, for that matter, are the tap/slide wide screens and the other lollies they’re trumpeting.The real attraction of the new MY range in our opinion is the more accurate speed limit information. Where other previous systems have offered an average for stretches of road – fairly useless for sections where speed limits see-saw wildly – the top two models of the five in the Navman MY series give accurate alerts whenever you enter a different speed zone.Navman spokesman Marcus Fry says these can be updated on an annual basis, and they hope to do it even more often.And across the range you also have alerts for revenue cameras, accident black spots, rail crossings and school zones.Unfortunately the school zone alerts run all the time, not just in school hours – which means you still have to take your eyes off the road to check.But for those more concerned with bells and whistles, the range has plenty to amuse and inform – with the aim of turning the gadget into a shotgun-riding ‘mate’, according to Navman marketing director Wendy Hammond.“People really should feel like they have a reliable and knowledgeable ‘mate’ in the car who knows the area – a resource from which they can get good directions; find a sportsground; Google a restaurant; keep an eye out on speed and safety cameras; alert about traffic incidents ahead, and even take overseas with them to have the maps and guides they need on holiday,” she says.These matey features include extended lane guidance and 3D junction views, the ability to search for local information on TrueLocal and Google, Lonely Planet and Wcities travel guides, intuitive ‘Smart Find’ destination input that uses a keyword search, and traffic information that includes weather updates.There’s also a function that advises the most fuel-efficient route, plus a mileage expense and digital logbook.Not all those features are standard. And – like everything else with buttons these days – you can get an inbuilt music and video player. But only in the top-line model.Prices start at $299 for the MY30 and add another $100 to each model as you move through the MY50T and MY55T to the MY500XT. 

Rather than spelling the end of performance V8s in M-cars, BMW's new-found fascination with turbocharging will open even greater possibilities, according to the company's new Australian boss.Stavros Yallouridis, who took the reigns of the Australian operation last month, is adamant the throaty burble of a performance-tuned V8 will remain a BMW fixture."We see with the new generation of the V8 engines in the M3s what a great success those engines are," Yallouridis says. "While we may see an M car with a six cylinder engine again in the future, I think at the moment we will continue to concentrate on performance V8s."Yallouridis says the search for a balance between power and fuel efficiency is one of the reasons turbocharging has become an attractive option.BMW has set non-M performance standards by bolting twin turbochargers to its brilliant 3.0-litre six and it will not be long before the M division gets in on the force-fed action."In the very near future we may even see V8s with twin turbos on them ... the X6M and the X5M are heading in that direction," Yallouridis says."It is a lot more horsepower ...""We are already experiencing better than 500hp from a V8 engine on the test bench and there is still a lot of testing going on."What you shouldn't expect from the maestros at the M garages is a return to the company's two engine extremes."I really don't think we will see another 4-cylinder M engine but I also don't think there will be another 10-cylinder engine either. What we really want, though is a good balance — we want good fuel efficiencies with a good power result but without going overboard."Yallouridis is also quietly confident that the Australian new car market will be able to weather the global financial storm in as good, if not better, condition than overseas markets."If the total car market stabilises at a 20 per cent drop for the year I think all of us in the Australian car market will be satisfied," Yallouridis says. "We have seen erratic market movement across the world and thats varies from 10 or 15 per cent in some markets up to 60 per cent in others."In Europe it appears markets are travelling at an average of 30 per cent down while in Australia it is around 21 per cent."The premium market in Australia is around about 17-18 per cent down and we (BMW) are performing at around about 11-12 per cent down."Yallouridis believes the premium segment of the market has been better insulated from the full effects of the downturn than other more mainstream segments."We are speculating that we should see a stabilisation early next year."New product is obviously an insulation in times like this. Product is a big part of any success story at the moment."While BMW has just launched the new 7 Series and the Z4 and will have the much-anticipated X1 baby SUV late in the year Yallouridis acknowledges that the effect of these models — along with the 5 Series Grand Tourismo and all new 5 Series late in 2010 — will not be felt until next year."We knew going back five years that 2009 was going to be a dip as far as new product was concerned and in a strange way that has actually helped us with regard to circumstances from the economic crisis," he says."The availability of fresh and new product as the economic gloom begins to lift next year will give us a strong competitive boost."